When was the last time you asked yourself, “Have you met me?” I know, it sounds like a weird question to articulate literally out loud. But I overheard my husband do this the other day. He asked himself, “Kris, have you met me?!” when he did something that surprised even himself (because he’s in tune with his authentic self).
While he said it as a joke. In reality, it’s the question many have been asking themselves subconsciously (or consciously out loud in the case of my husband, kudos to him) since March 2020.
The pandemic has forced us into this grand shattering and rebuilding. Many people are asking if they’re actually living as the truest, most authentic versions of themselves. The answer for many is that, eh, they’re not quite aligned with what’s important to them. They’ve been letting external forces shape their lives for perhaps longer than they’re willing to admit. But the good news is, you can change all that.
In order to uncover your authentic self and embody this transformation, there are a few questions you can start asking yourself. Ready to dive in?
Who Have You Been?
No, I’m not talking about your preppy phase in high school or your frat boy days in college. Although those are good for a good chuckle, am I right?
I’m talking about what has truly shaped who you are. What are your fundamental beliefs, core tendencies, and personality traits?
The past is going to inform your future, but it’s up to you what you take with you if you want a transformation. For me, I could be a mother, pastor, businesswoman, etc. But even more so, I’m a straight shooter. I’m part blunt and analytical and part hippie alternative, a unique combo, I know. These traits are the core things about me that, no matter what I do or what role I play, I carry with me because of who I innately am. So, who are you innately as a human?
As you run through these questions, in order to make a formative change in your life, it’s about taking action based on your responses. No matter how icky it may feel.
Now Take Action:
Determine what feels authentic to you in this “old version” of yourself and what you want to take with you into this new chapter of living freely and authentically.
Who Are Your People?
You’ve probably heard the quote from Jim Rohn that claims, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” While that may not be entirely true, it is true that in your comfortable web of friends, you’re going to conform to their habits, likes, and dislikes in many cases.
Taking a look at your people is a good way to evaluate who you are (and if it’s really who you want to be).
Examine the relationships you’re holding on to—are they serving you positively or negatively? Are you holding on to them because they are the people you’d call in your most dire moments or because you have a really great time on Sunday Funday? Because you truly enjoy the activities you do together, or you’re too lonely or self-conscious to put yourself out there and meet your real people? These are hard questions, but they’re critical to that shattering and rebuilding. And you don’t need a global pandemic to give you the permission to shatter and rebuild—you can (and should) do it now.
Now Take Action:
Think about these questions. Then, curate your circle in an intentional way that will help you become your truest self. Expand and expunge with purpose in your heart and mind.
Now, Move Forward Towards Your Authentic Self
If you’re feeling uncomfortable in your own skin after realizing you’ve just been putzing along, embracing who you once were, but feeling like something is off, just know that you’re not alone. But do know that it is fully in your power to carve out a new reality for yourself and your life.
If you are craving more simple tools to help you uncover the truest version of your authentic self, listen to our recent podcast episode, The New You — Simple Tools to Help You Be Who You Want to Be. We provide even more questions to ask, a few good laughs, and the tools you need to carve that pathway towards a whole new version of you.
Last words for the wise today (before you go listen for more tips, of course)…
Know that you have everything you need to be who you want to be. It’s time for you to step into your power and find your authentic self. YOU HAVE GOT THIS!
